General Discussion

News about the next service to remember a Dawlish serviceman who gave his life during World War One.  A series of services are being held on the 100th anniversary of each death.

Lieut. Colonel Richard Alexander Rooth will be remembered on Saturday 25th April

St Gregory’s Church, commencing at 3pm

Richard Rooth was a Londoner who married a Dawlish girl, Amy Cann of 5 Plantation Terrace, in 1895.  He was a soldier in the regular army.

He rose to the rank of Lieut. Colonel and was serving in Ireland in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers at the outbreak of the war.  They were posted to the Dardanelles in March 1915 to take part in what became known to history as the Gallipoli landings.

“Lieut. Colonel Rooth was killed instantly the moment he stepped on “V” beach at Sedd El Bahr, Gallipoli.  As the ‘River Clyde’ grounded and the tows were within a few yards of the shore, all hell was let loose as a tornado of fire swept the boats.  Men were killed as they waded ashore and the badly wounded stumbled into the water and drowned”

Lieut. Colonel Rooth died aged 49, and left a widow and two children.  His loss is commemorated by a plaque in St Gregory's church

RIP Col. Richard. 

We will remember them.